Water-dispersible pellets

ABSTRACT

A water-dispersible particle for delivery of fertilizer to a plant is disclosed. After delivery wetting of the particles causes particle dispersion so as to prevent secondary pick up to the particles. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/234,898filed Sep. 22, 2008, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. Utilityapplication Ser. No. 11/028,879 filed Jan. 4, 2005 which in turn is adivisional of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 10/245,248 filed Sep.16, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,756, which in turn claims priority ofU.S. Provisional Application 60/322,084 filed Sep. 14, 2001; thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to water-dispersible particles fordelivery of biomolecules. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to water-dispersible methylene urea particles for delivery ofbiomolecules.

2. Description of the Related Art

A continuing problem in care of large areas of cultivated vegetation isthe difficulty of delivery of an agent such as a plant nutrient,fertilizer or a pesticide to the target. A practical and labor-savingapproach to agent delivery in areas such as golf courses, parks, lawns,gardens and woodlands has been broadcast application of granularproducts containing an agent, for example via rotary spreader. Usinggranular products having particle sizes in the range of about 1millimeter to about 10 millimeters, an operator can cover a large areawith minimal distance traversed by the spreader itself, while applyingthe granular products relatively uniformly to the desired area.Unfortunately, such granular products often remain in solid or semisolidform several days following their application. This is a problem whenthe granular product is carrying an active ingredient such aspesticides, plant growth regulators, micronutrients, or plant growthhormones because these substances remain physically bound up with thegranule so that their efficacy is reduced or delayed. This can result inloss of the active ingredient via volatilization and photodegradationwith the consequence of lower efficacy and higher cost.

A further consequence of the fact that granular products often remain insolid or semisolid form for long periods following application is thatthe granules are subject to removal by cultural practices such as mowingwith clipping removal, leaf and or yard waste vacuuming; or run-off fromweather events, especially on sloping ground where the underlying soilshave low percolation rates; where the ground cover is closely mown orrelatively thin and sparse; and where the equipment or pedestrianstraffic is high. This causes a loss of the uniformity of the biologicalresponse sought by the use of the product. In addition, product efficacymay be altered due to excessive concentration of the product within theareas treated.

The long persistence of the granular products also results in a greaterlikelihood that people and or animals may come into physical contactwith the granules, which may result in skin irritation, sensitization,dermal absorption and toxicity. Additionally, when clothing, footwearand equipment come into physical contact with the granules, they cancause damage, corrosion or staining.

The present invention solves the problems associated with persistence ofgranular products by providing compositions and methods for makingcontrolled release nitrogen pellets which are water-dispersible. Theinventive pellets, when handled without coming into contact with water,have physical characteristics similar to existing controlled releasenitrogen granules, allowing broadcast application. Followingapplication, the inventive pellets disperse on contact with moisturefrom the treated area itself, from irrigation or from naturalprecipitation. The dispersion of the pellets allows the controlledrelease nitrogen and other active ingredients to be deposited downwardsand laterally from the original position of the pellet, so that thecontrolled release nitrogen and other active ingredients are less likelyto be removed from the treated area, ingested by small children oranimals, or otherwise contacted by people, animals, clothing, footwearor equipment. Water-dispersibility also prevents wastage of anyrelatively expensive components of the inventive pellets since more ofthe ingredients reach their respective targets.

Thus, there is a continuing need for a uniformly sized, durable productin particle form which can deliver nitrogen in a controlled releasemanner and whose components are quickly dispersible in order to provideeven delivery of active agents to target plants and organisms over alarge area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Water-dispersible particles are provided that disperse into more than100 pieces upon contact with water. Particles include from 5% to 99.9%of a fertilizer to a targeted desirable organism and 1% to 95% of abinder component.

Additionally provided is a process for making a water-dispersibleparticle, the process including the steps of mechanically aggregatingparticle components into a pellet. Particle components include afertilizer and a binder, the components being such that a productparticle is dispersed into more than 100 pieces upon contact with water.In a further step of a process for making a water-dispersible particle,the pellet is dried to form a particle.

A process of nutrient delivery is provided that includes the steps ofadministering a particle that disperses into more than 100 piecesfollowing water contact. A water-dispersible particle includes from 5%to 99.9% of a fertilizer to a targeted desirable organism and 1% to 95%of a binder component. Following administration of a described particle,water is allowed to contact the particle, dispersing it into pieces andthereby delivering a nutrient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a water-dispersible particle fordelivery of bioavailable nitrogen to a plant. The invention furtherrelates to a method for making and using the water-dispersible particle.The inventive particle retains its size and shape during handling andapplication to a desired area and dissolves or crumbles into smallparticles upon contact with a water overspray within twelve hours. Thusthe durability of the particle allows delivery of the particle to thevicinity of the desired site of action whereupon contact with watersufficient to wet the particle surface causes dispersion of particlecomponents, facilitating distribution of the active agents to thetarget. The term dispersion in the context of the present invention isintended to mean that an inventive particle disperses by breaking intonumerous smaller pieces upon contact with water. In a preferredembodiment, an inventive particle disperses by breaking up into greaterthan 100 smaller pieces upon contact with water over a period of timeranging from 1 second to 24 hours. Preferably, an inventive particledisperses into 1,000 to 10,000 smaller pieces over a period of timeranging from 1 second to 12 hours. Even more preferably, a particledisperses into 100 to 10,000 smaller pieces over a period of 30 secondsto 6 hours. Most preferably, a particle disperses as described over aperiod of 1 minute to 1 hour. The ability of the inventive material todegrade with water is generally measured in a water dispersibility test.The test involves placing about 10 grams of the inventive material into100 ml of water at room temperature in a closed glass container. Thecontainer is then inverted and the time is observed until the materialdisperses. After every minute, the container is inverted. The inventivematerial of the present invention has a dispersibility time of generallyless than 15 minutes with a period of less than 5 minutes beingpreferred and a period of less than 2 minutes being most preferred. Theinventive particle provides a delivery system for controlled releasenitrogen, and optional additional agents such as plant nutrients,pesticides, hormones, herbicides, micronutrients and other activeingredients.

Composition of Particles

A water-dispersible particle comprising: A particle of the presentinvention has a bioavailable nitrogen containing ingredient and a bindercomponent. The particle optionally contains an active ingredient. In apreferred embodiment the bioavailable nitrogen containing ingredient isa source of nitrogen bioavailable to targeted desirable organismsillustratively including cultivated plants such as lawn grass, crops,flowers, shrubs, trees and bushes. The bioavailable nitrogen containingingredient is present in amounts ranging from 5% to 99.0% by weight ofthe total dry weight of the particle. More preferably, the bioavailablenitrogen containing ingredient is present in amounts ranging from 30% to99.0% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. Still morepreferably, the bioavailable nitrogen containing ingredient is presentin amounts ranging from 50% to 99% by weight of the total dry weight ofthe particle.

Bioavailable nitrogen is nitrogen in a form that fills a nutritionalrequirement of a plant either directly, where the plant is capable ofphysiological processing of a nitrogen containing ingredient, orindirectly, where another organism such as a bacterium must first act onthe nitrogen containing ingredient to produce a nitrogen form usable bythe plant. Illustrative examples of a bioavailable nitrogen containingingredient include methylene urea oligomers, oxamide, ureaformaldehyde-based compounds, dicyandiamide, crotilidiene diurea,nitrocellulose, metal ammonium phosphates, ammonium nitrate, ammoniumsulfate, urea, coated urea, monoammonium phosphate, diammoniumphosphate, calcium nitrate, isobutylidene diurea and other fertilizersas detailed herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the bioavailable nitrogen containingingredient is a methylene urea oligomer or a mix of methylene ureaoligomers as represented by the formula NH₂CONH(CH₂NHCONH₂)_(n)H, wheren is an integer from 1-10. Illustrative examples of methylene ureaoligomers include methylene diurea (NH₂CONHCH₂NHCONH₂), dimethylenetriurea (NH₂CONHCH₂NHCONHCH₂NHCONH₂), trimethylene tetraurea andtetramethylene pentaurea. Particularly preferred is the mix of methyleneurea oligomers such as the material commercially sold as Nutralene® byNu-Gro Technologies, Canada, the material sold commercially as Methex-40by Homestead Corporation and the material sold commercially asNitroform®. A mix of methylene urea oligomers suitable for incorporationin the pellets of the present invention are methylene urea oligomeraggregates having a mean aggregate domain size less than 420micrometers.

In a preferred embodiment the particle contains a binder that producesor promotes cohesion of the methylene urea oligomer fines. The bindercomponent is present in amounts ranging from 1% to 95% by weight of thetotal dry weight of the particle. More preferably, the binder componentis present in amounts ranging from 1% to 75% by weight of the total dryweight of the particle. Still more preferably, the binder component ispresent in amounts ranging from 1% to 50% by weight of the total dryweight of the particle. Most preferably, the binder is present inamounts ranging from 1% to 25% by weight of the total dry weight of theparticle. Illustrative examples of binders operative herein arecarbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharidesand polysaccharides; proteins; lipids; glycolipid; glycoprotein;lipoprotein; and combinations and derivatives of these. Specificcarbohydrate binders illustratively include glucose, mannose, fructose,galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, xylose, arabinose, trehalose andmixtures thereof such as corn syrup; celluloses such ascarboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose,hydroxy-methylethylcellulose, hydroxyethylpropylcellulose,methylhydroxyethyl-cellulose, methylcellulose; starches such as amylose,seagel, starch acetates, starch hydroxyethyl ethers, ionic starches,long-chain alkyl starches, dextrins, amine starches, phosphatesstarches, and dialdehyde starches; plant starches such as corn starchand potato starch; other carbohydrates such as pectin, amylopectin,xylan, glycogen, agar, alginic acid, phycocolloids, chitin, gum arabic,guar gum, gum karaya, gum tragacanth and locust bean gum; complexorganic substances such as lignin and nitrolignin; derivatives of ligninsuch as lignosulfonate salts illustratively including calciumlignosulfonate and sodium lignosulfonate and complex carbohydrate-basedcompositions containing organic and inorganic ingredients such asmolasses. Suitable protein binders illustratively include soy extract,zein, protamine, collagen, and casein. Binders operative herein alsoinclude synthetic organic polymers capable of promoting or producingcohesion of methylene urea oligomer fines and these illustrativelyinclude ethylene oxide polymers, polyacrylamides, polyacrylates,polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinylmethyl ether, polyvinyl acrylates, polylactic acid, and latex.In a preferred embodiment, the binder is calcium lignosulfonate,molasses, a liquid corn starch, a liquid corn syrup or a combinationthereof.

The particles of the present invention are optionally associated with anactive ingredient. Illustrative examples of active ingredients includefertilizers, soil nutrients, amendment materials, biological factors andbiostimulants. A solid, liquid or powder active ingredient is recognizedto be operative herein. It will be recognized by those skilled in theart that more than one active ingredient may be incorporated into theparticle and that the choice of active ingredient or combination ofactive ingredients will depend on the intended purpose of the particleand the chemical compatibility of the ingredients and other particlecomponents.

In a preferred embodiment, where the active ingredient is a fertilizer,soil nutrient or amendment material, the fertilizer, soil nutrient oramendment material active ingredient is present in an amount rangingfrom 0.05% to 50% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. Ina more preferred embodiment, the fertilizer, soil nutrient or amendmentmaterial active ingredient is present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to30% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. In a still morepreferred embodiment, the fertilizer, soil nutrient or amendmentmaterial active ingredient is present in an amount ranging from 0.5% to10% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle.

Where the active ingredient is a biological factor or biostimulant, theactive ingredient is present in an amount ranging from 0.05% to 10% byweight of the total dry weight of the particle. In a more preferredembodiment, the biological factor or biostimulant active ingredient ispresent in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the total dryweight of the particle. In a still more preferred embodiment, thebiological factor or biostimulant active ingredient is present in anamount ranging from 0.25% to 1% by weight of the total dry weight of theparticle.

Fertilizers are substances containing one of the plant nutrientsnitrogen, phosphate or potassium and illustratively include urea,sulfur-coated urea, isobutylidene diurea, ammonium nitrate, ammoniumsulfate, ammonium phosphate, triple super phosphate, phosphoric acid,potassium sulphate, potassium nitrate, potassium metaphosphate,potassium chloride, dipotassium carbonate, potassium oxide and acombination of these. Soil nutrients illustratively include calcium,magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, zinc; oxides thereof, saltsthereof and combinations thereof. Amendment materials are naturalorganic products such as humic acid, blood meal, bone meal, seed meal,feather meal and soy meal; meat meal; animal waste from various animalsources; activated sludge, hydrolyzed animal hair; fish byproducts;chitin; composts; and a combination thereof. Biological factors arethose factors that have a deleterious effect on a biological organismand illustratively include algicides, bacteriocides, defoliants,desiccants, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, insect growthregulators, miticides, nematicides, ovicides, pesticides, pheromones,repellents, rodenticides and a combination thereof. Biostimulants aresubstances that promote plant survival and health and illustrativelyinclude plant growth hormones and plant growth regulators such ascytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, ethylene, absisic acid and acombination of these.

Method of Making Particles

In a preferred embodiment, methylene urea oligomer fines aremechanically aggregated into pellets in a pan-granulator in the presenceof a binder. Methylene urea oligomer fines are very small methylene ureaoligomer aggregates that have a mean aggregate domain size that is lessthan 500 micrometers. More preferably, the mean aggregate domain size ofthe fines is less than 250 micrometers. Still more preferably, the meanaggregate domain size of the fines is less than 180 micrometers.

The binder is sprayed into the pan granulator with the methylene ureaoligomer fines. The pellets are dried and the resulting particles aresize-screened and particles of desired size are stored. Optionally, theparticles are transferred to a coating drum for addition of an activeingredient or a conditioner material.

In another embodiment, methylene urea oligomer fines are mechanicallyaggregated into pellets in a drum-granulator in the presence of abinder. Methylene urea oligomer fines are very small methylene ureaoligomer aggregates that have a mean aggregate domain size that is lessthan 500 micrometers. More preferably, the mean aggregate domain size ofthe fines is less than 250 micrometers. Still more preferably, the meanaggregate domain size of the fines is less than 180 micrometers.

The binder is sprayed into the drum granulator with the methylene ureaoligomer fines. The pellets are dried and the resulting particles aresize-screened and particles of desired size are stored. Optionally, theparticles are transferred to a coating drum for addition of an activeingredient or a conditioner material.

In another embodiment, methylene urea oligomer fines are mechanicallyaggregated into pellets in an Eirich unit in the presence of a binder.Methylene urea oligomer fines are very small methylene urea oligomeraggregates that have a mean aggregate domain size that is less than 500micrometers. More preferably, the mean aggregate domain size of thefines is less than 250 micrometers. Still more preferably, the meanaggregate domain size of the fines is less than 180 micrometers.

The binder is sprayed into the Eirich unit granulator with the methyleneurea oligomer fines. The pellets are dried and the resulting particlesare size-screened and particles of desired size are stored. Optionally,the particles are transferred to a coating drum for addition of anactive ingredient or a conditioner material.

Various means of drying the material are available. A preferred methodis fluid bed drying. The material is placed in a fluid bed drier and thedrier inlet air temperature ranges from about 120° F. to about 220° F.More preferably, the temperature ranges from 140° F. to 190° F. Furthermethods of drying particles will be apparent to one of skill in the artand illustratively include use of a rotary drum dryer and drying undervacuum conditions.

Association of an Active Ingredient with a Particle

An active ingredient is associated with a particle during the process ofparticle formation or after particles are formed. For example, an activeingredient is mixed with the binder. The binder/active ingredientmixture is added to methylene urea oligomer fines and mechanicallyaggregated in a pan granulator resulting in particles wherein the activeingredient and methylene urea oligomers are in suspension in the binder.

Where it is desirable to add the active ingredient after particleformation, for example where the active ingredient is incompatible withsuspension in the binder, the active ingredient is added to the particlefollowing particle formation in the presence or absence of an adhesive.Methods of active ingredient addition illustratively include sprayingonto the particle or adsorption of the active ingredient by coating theparticle in a non-aqueous solution of the active ingredient.

In another embodiment, the active ingredient is mixed with an adhesivebefore application to a particle. An adhesive is a substance that bindsto a particle, such that the active ingredient adheres to the particlein suspension in the adhesive. The adhesive may be the same as thebinder or different. The choice of adhesive depends on the particlecomponents and will be evident to one skilled in the art. Examples ofadhesives include, but are not limited to, substances listed herein asbinder components. Preferably, the adhesive is calcium lignosulfonate,molasses, a liquid corn starch, a liquid corn syrup or a combination ofthese.

For example, the active ingredient in powdered form is adhered to theoutside surface of the particle with the use of an adhesive. An adhesiveliquid may be used and is applied before or after the addition of thepowdered active ingredient or it may be applied at the same time as theactive ingredient. The choice of adhesive depends on the particlecomponents and will be evident to one skilled in the art. Examples of aliquid adhesive include but are not limited to binders listed herein,including mineral oils or polymer liquids such as polybutene.

Durability of Particles

The particles of the present invention have a minimum Resistance ToAttrition (RTA) rating ranging from 60% to 100% as determined by themethod detailed in Example R or an art-recognized equivalent procedure.

Size of Particles

The particles of the present invention have a mean particle domain sizethat ranges from 0.1 millimeter to 30 millimeters. More preferably, themean particle domain size ranges from 0.25 millimeter to 20 millimeters.Still more preferably, the mean particle domain size ranges from 0.50millimeter to 15 millimeters. The particles formed by the process of thepresent invention have a Uniformity Index rating in the range of 30 to60 where the Uniformity Index rating is calculated as the 10^(th)percentile particle size expressed as a percentage of the 95^(th)percentile particle size.

Shape of the Particles

Particles of the present invention take any shape illustrativelyincluding spheres, cylinders, ellipses, rods, cones, discs, needles andirregular. In a preferred embodiment the particles are approximatelyspherical.

Method of Use

The particles of the present invention are administered to a target toproduce a desired effect on a desirable or an undesirable organism.Particles are administered by a method which delivers the nitrogencontaining ingredient to the vicinity of a desirable organism whosehealth is to be encouraged. Further, the particles are administered by amethod which delivers the active ingredient to an area where it will beavailable to a targeted desirable or undesirable organism. For example,where a particle contains a controlled release nitrogen source such asmethylene urea oligomers and an active ingredient such as a planthormone, the particles are delivered to a desirable plant target, suchas a golf course lawn, by broadcast scattering via rotary spreader. Theparticles are then dispersed by water which is user-applied or naturalsuch as rain, dew or atmospheric humidity.

Alternatively, the particles are placed in a limited target area such asnear a particular desired plant in a garden or in a crop row. In anotherembodiment, the particles are placed under the soil surface.

A target desirable organism illustratively includes cultivated plantssuch as lawn grass, crops, flowers, shrubs, trees and bushes. Targetundesirable organisms illustratively include pest insects at any stageof development, bacteria, molds, algaes, weeds, worms and rodents.

EXAMPLES Example A

Dispersible Methylene Urea: Using a pan agglomeration disk, a bindersuch as calcium lignosulfanate, corn starch, and corn syrup, is appliedto a mixture of methylene urea fines (material less than 250 microns).The agglomeration disk is operated and adjusted to generate the desiredsize distribution of particles before the particles are conveyed to afluid bed drier where the material is dried at a temperature of 140° F.to a moisture content of less than 0.5%. The material is then separatedinto various size categories using conventional gyroscopic screeners.General size of these product streams are as follows, 3,360 microns andlarger, from 3,360 microns to 1,191 microns, from 1,191 microns to 594microns, and material smaller than 594 microns. The range of sizing foreach product stream can be varied to separate the desired material fromthe mixture of sizing.

Example B

Dispersible Methylene Urea Containing Pesticides (Powdered Pesticides):A mixture of methylene urea fines and a powdered pesticide (such asPCNB, Prodiamine, or Thiphanate-Methyl) is added to a pan agglomerationdisk. A binder such as calcium lignosulfanate, corn starch, or cornsyrup is sprayed onto the mixture. The pan agglomeration disk isoperated and adjusted to provide the desired size distribution ofparticles. The material is then conveyed to a fluid bed drier where thematerial is dried at a temperature of 140° F. to a moisture content ofless than 0.5%. The material is then separated into various sizecategories using conventional gyroscopic screeners. General size ofthese product streams are as follows, 3,360 microns and larger, from3,360 microns to 1,191 microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns, andmaterial smaller than 594 microns. The range of sizing for each productstream can be varied to separate the desired material from the mixtureof sizing.

Example C

Dispersible Methylene Urea Containing Pesticides such as liquidpesticides: Using a pan agglomeration disk, a liquid pesticide and abinder such as calcium lignosulfanate, corn starch, and corn syrup wereapplied to a mixture of methylene urea fines (material less than 250microns). The agglomeration disk is operated and adjusted to generatethe desired size distribution of particles before the particles areconveyed to a fluid bed drier where the material was dried at atemperature of 140° F. to a moisture content of less that 0.5%. Thematerial is then separated into various size categories usingconventional gyroscopic screeners. General size of these product streamsare as follows, 3,360 microns and larger, from 3,360 microns to 1,191microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns, and material smaller than594 microns. The range of sizing for each product stream can be variedto separate the desired material from the mixture of sizing.

Example D

Dispersible Methylene Urea with Other Nutrient Sources, Micronutrients,Soil Amendments, or Bio Stimulants: Using a pan agglomeration disk, abinder such as calcium lignosulfanate, corn starch, and corn syrup isapplied to a mixture of methylene urea fines, other nutrient sources(diammonium phosphate or sulfate of potash for example), micronutrients(such as iron sulfate or manganese oxide), soil amendments (such ashumic acid materials), or biostimulants with all materials less than 250microns in size. The agglomeration disk is operated and adjusted togenerate the desired size distribution of particles before the largerparticles were conveyed to a fluid bed drier where the material wasdried at a temperature of 140° F. to a moisture content of less that0.5%. The material is then separated into various size categories usingconventional gyroscopic screeners. General size of these product streamsare as follows, 3,360 microns and larger, from 3,360 microns to 1,191microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns, and material smaller than594 microns. The range of sizing for each product stream can be variedto separate the desired material from the mixture of sizing.

Example E

Dispersible Methylene Urea with Other Nutrient Sources, Micronutrients,Soil Amendments, or Bio Stimulants Containing Pesticides such aspowdered pesticides: A mixture of methylene urea fines, other nutrientsources (diammonium phosphate and sulfate of potash for example),micronutrients (such as iron sulfate or manganese oxide), soilamendments (such as humic acid materials), or biostimulants and apowdered pesticide (such as PCNB, Prodiamine, or Thiphanate-Methyl) isadded to a pan agglomeration disk. A binder such as calciumlignosulfanate, corn starch, and corn syrup, is sprayed onto themixture. The pan agglomeration disk is operated and adjusted to providethe desired size distribution of particles. The material is thenconveyed to a fluid bed drier where the material is dried at atemperature of 140° F. to a moisture content of less than 0.5%. Thematerial is then separated into various size categories usingconventional gyroscopic screeners. General size of these product streamswere as follows, 3,360 microns and larger, from 3,360 microns to 1,191microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns, and material smaller than594 microns. The range of sizing for each product stream can be variedto separate the desired material from the mixture of sizing.

Example F

Dispersible Methylene Urea with Other Nutrient Sources, Micronutrients,Soil Amendments, or Bio Stimulants Containing Pesticides such as liquidpesticides: Using a pan agglomeration disk, a liquid pesticide and abinder such as calcium lignosulfanate, corn starch, and corn syrup areapplied to a mixture of methylene urea fines, other nutrient sources(diammonium phosphate and sulfate of potash for example), micronutrients(such as iron sulfate or manganese oxide), soil amendments (such ashumic acid materials), or biostimulants, with all material less than 250microns in diameter. The agglomeration disk is operated and adjusted togenerate the desired size distribution of particles before the particlesare conveyed to a fluid bed drier where the material was dried at atemperature of 140° F. to a moisture content of less than 0.5%. Thematerial is then separated into various size categories usingconventional gyroscopic screeners. General size of these product streamswere as follows, 3,360 microns and larger, from 3,360 microns to 1,191microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns, and material smaller than594 microns. The range of sizing for each product stream can be variedto separate the desired material from the mixture of sizing.

Example G

Post Production Surface Coating of Dispersible Methylene Urea (ExampleA) or Dispersible Methylene Urea Containing Other Nutrient Sources,Micronutrients, Soil Amendments, or Bio Stimulants (Example D) with aPowdered Pesticide. Materials generated by the methods described inExample A or Example D above, are fed to a blender (such as a Forbergfluidized zone blender) or other coating equipment (such as a coatingdrum). The material is sprayed with a liquid, such as a light weightmineral oil, to make the surface slightly tacky before adding a powderedpesticide (such as Prodiamine, Thiophanate-Methyl, or PCNB). A secondspray of liquid may be necessary to adhere the powder to the surface ofthe material.

Example H

Post Production Surface Impregnation of Dispersible Methylene Urea(Example A) or Dispersible Methylene Urea Containing Other NutrientSources, Micronutrients, Soil Amendments, or Bio Stimulants (Example D)with a Liquid Pesticide. Materials generated by the methods described inExample A or Example D above, are fed to a blender (such as a Forbergfluidized zone blender) or other coating equipment (such as a coatingdrum). The material is then sprayed with a liquid pesticide thatslightly penetrates the surface of the material. The material is mixedto assure even distribution of the pesticide to all particles.

Example I

Methylene urea dispersible (MUD) particles are generated in an exemplarymethod, using an 18″ agglomeration pan and a fluid bed drier.

An illustrative procedure for producing a small batch of MUD particles:

-   -   1. 500-1000 grams of methylene urea fines passing 50 mesh are        weighed out.    -   2. The ratio of methylene urea fines to binder material depends        on the binder and varies from about 19:1 to about 1:3.        Preferably the ratio of methylene urea fines to binder is in the        range from 10:1 to 1:1. More preferably the ratio of methylene        urea fines to binder is in the range from 7:1 to 2:1.    -   3. Approximately ⅔ of this material is placed into the 18″        agglomeration pan and the speed of rotation and the slope of        incline of the pan are adjusted to ensure an acceptable falling        curtain of material in the pan bed.    -   4. A binder is applied via a spray bottle, peristaltic pump with        air atomizing nozzle, or sparge tube depending on the material        used. Binder is added by the operator until particle growth        begins to occur.    -   5. As necessary, the size of the particles is adjusted by the        operator by crushing the material back down by hand as the        material is rotating within the pan.    -   6. The additional ⅓ of the methylene urea fines is added in        small amounts to the pan along with additional binder as needed    -   7. After all of the methylene urea is added to the pan and any        binder required to grow the particles is applied, the material        is discharged into a collection container and transported to a        fluid bed drier.    -   8. The material is placed in a fluid bed drier to drive off        moisture added by the binder material. The temperature of the        air entering the drier varies depending on the materials        included in the MUD particles.    -   9. The material is dried until the temperature of the air        exiting the dryer stabilizes for a period of five minutes.    -   10. Once the material is taken from the drier, it is split into        size fractions using round sieve screens by hand. For example,        four fractions are used including: +6 mesh (overs), −6/+16 mesh        (coarse), −16/+30 mesh (greens), and −30 mesh (fines).    -   11. The size fractions are placed into an oven and dried for        additional period. For example, the particles are placed at a        temperature ranging from 70° F. to 150° F. for 1 hour to 48        hours. More preferably the temperature ranges from 90° F. to        120° F. for 1 hour to 48 hours. In a specific example, the        particles are dried at 110° F. for an additional 16+ hours.    -   12. When pulled from the oven, the size fractions are checked        for dispersibility and resistance to attrition.

Example J

An example procedure for making MUD particles using Norlig A-Lignin as abinder is as follows:

500 g methylene urea fines, −50 mesh, are combined with 118.8 g ofNorlig A/Water mixture (10:1) using a peristaltic pump/air atomizingnozzle. Drier inlet air is used at 190° F. Final drier exiting air has atemperature of 164° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 95.6%.

Example K

An example procedure for making MUD particles using Cerestar Corn Starchas a binder is as follows:

500 g methylene urea fines, −50 mesh are combined with 158.3 g ofCerestar Corn Starch using a peristaltic pump/air atomizing nozzle.Drier inlet air is used at 140° F. Final drier exiting air has atemperature of 117° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 94.8%.

Example L

An example procedure for making MUD particles using corn syrup as abinder is as follows:

500 g methylene urea fines, −50 mesh, are combined with 157.4 g of cornsyrup/water (5:1) using a peristaltic pump/air atomizing nozzle. Drierinlet air is used at 140° F. Final drier exiting air has a temperatureof 117° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 96.1%.

Example M

An example procedure for making MUD particles using Norlig A-Lignin as abinder is as follows:

1000 g methylene urea fines, −50 mesh, are combined with 240 g of NorligA/Water mixture (10:1) using a peristaltic pump/air atomizing nozzle.Drier inlet air is used at 190° F. Final drier exiting air has atemperature of 164° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 94.5%.

Example N

An example procedure for making MUD particles using Cerestar Corn Starchas a binder is as follows:

1000 g methylene urea fines, −50 mesh are combined with 316.4 g ofCerestar Corn Starch using a peristaltic pump/air atomizing nozzle.Drier inlet air is used at 140° F. Final drier exiting air has atemperature of 117° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 95.6%.

Example O

An example procedure for making MUD particles using corn syrup as abinder is as follows:

1000 g methylene urea fines, −50 mesh, are combined with 315.5 g of cornsyrup/water (5:1) using a peristaltic pump/air atomizing nozzle. Drierinlet air is used at 140° F. Final drier exiting air has a temperatureof 117° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 96.2%.

Example P

An example procedure for making MUD particles using corn syrup with dyeas a binder is as follows:

1000 g methylene urea fines, −50 mesh, are combined with 314.0 g of cornsyrup/water (5:1) using a peristaltic pump/air atomizing nozzle. Drierinlet air is used at 140° F. Final drier exiting air has a temperatureof 117° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 94.9%.

Example Q

An example procedure for making MUD particles coated with a powderedactive ingredient is as follows:

MUD particles are generated as outlined in Example I. When dry, 1000grams of the selected size fraction of finished particles are placed ina blender. 40 grams of the powdered active ingredient is added to theblender, which is then turned on. After 30 seconds of blending, theadhesive liquid is added to the blender. A total of 20 grams of adhesiveliquid is added over 1 minute, which is followed by an additional 1minute of blending. The material is then discharged from the blender.

Example R Resistance to Attrition Determination

Apparatus: Ro-Tap sieve shaker with 8-inch sieves, balance with 0.1 gsensitivity, 10-min timer, and 10 steel balls with smooth surfaces and16 mm (⅝ in.) in diameter.

-   -   1. Using information from the Screen Analysis, choose your        limiting screen size. The following table indicates the limiting        screen for several fertilizer blends.

Fertilizer Sizing U.S. (Tyler) Coarse 16 (14) Premium Standard 20 (20)Fairways 20 (20) Greens 30 (28)

-   -   2. Place about 75 g of a representative sample onto the limiting        screen.    -   3. Reassemble the screen apparatus with the limiting screen just        above the pan.    -   4. Place the screen apparatus onto the shaker and run it for 10        min (Use the hammer).    -   5. Empty the pan. Transfer 50.0 g of sample to the pan.    -   6. Put ten (10) 16-mm steel balls in the pan with the sample.    -   7 Reassemble the screen apparatus and place it onto the shaker        and run it for 10 min (Do not use the hammer).    -   8. Remove the steel balls from the pan and transfer the sample        back into the limiting screen.    -   9. Place the screen apparatus back onto the shaker and run it        for 10 min (Use the hammer).    -   10. Weigh out the amount that remained on the limiting screen to        the nearest 0.1 g and compare it to the original amount.

Percent resistance to attrition={(100·a)/b}, where a is the weight ofthe fraction that remained on the limiting screen in Step 10 and b istotal weight of the sample in Step 5.

Any patents or publications mentioned in this specification areindicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains. These patents and publications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the endsand advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The presentmethods, procedures, treatments, molecules, and specific compoundsdescribed herein are presently representative of preferred embodiments,are exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope of theinvention. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled inthe art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention asdefined by the scope of the claims.

1. A water-dispersible particle comprising: a fertilizer bioavailable to a targeted organism present in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.0% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle, the fertilizer comprising humic acid; a lignin derivative or carbohydrate binder component, present in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle; the particle having a mean particle domain size; and the fertilizer and the lignin derivative or carbohydrate binder component present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces within a period of time of 1 hour.
 2. The particle of claim 1 wherein the lignin derivative or carbohydrate binder component is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 25% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle.
 3. The particle of claim 1 wherein the lignin derivative binder component is a lignosulfonate salt.
 4. The particle of claim 1 wherein the lignin derivative binder component is selected from the group consisting of: a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide, a polysaccharide and combinations thereof.
 5. The particle of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive.
 6. The particle of claim 5 wherein the adhesive is a mineral oil.
 7. The particle of claim 5 wherein the adhesive is a synthetic liquid polymer.
 8. The particle of claim 1 wherein the fertilizer is present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle.
 9. The particle of claim 1 wherein water causes particle dispersion into between 1,000 and 10,000 pieces.
 10. The particle of claim 1 wherein particle dispersion occurs within 24 hours of water contact.
 11. The particle of claim 1 wherein the mean particle domain size ranges from 0.1 millimeter to 30 millimeters.
 12. A water-dispersible particle comprising: a fertilizer comprising humic acid; and a lignosulfonate derivative binder component, present in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle; the particle having a mean particle domain size; wherein the fertilizer and the lignin derivative binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces within a period of time of 1 hour.
 13. The particle of claim 12 wherein the lignin derivative binder component is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 25% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle and is a lignosulfonate salt.
 14. The particle of claim 13 further comprising a soil nutrient selected from the group consisting of: calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, zinc; oxides thereof; salts thereof, and a combination thereof.
 15. The particle of claim 14 wherein the soil nutrient is a combination of at least the magnesium, the sulfur, and the iron, present as oxides thereof or salts thereof. 